3 killed when two cell towers collapse in West Virginia

CLARKSBURG, W.Va., Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Two workers and a firefighter were killed Saturday when two cell towers collapsed in West Virginia, authorities said.

State police said two other men were injured in the 11:30 a.m. EST accident in Clarksburg, WBOY-TV, Clarksburg, reported

State police said three of the four workers were about 70 feet above the ground and the fourth man was about 20 feet up when the accident occurred. They were trying to reinforce the tower but it collapsed before the work could be completed and they were pinned in the wreckage, Cpl. Mark Waggamon told WBOY-TV.

A member of the Nutter Fort Fire Department then was killed when a second, smaller tower collapsed minutes later while he was trying to extricate one of the injured workers, the TV station said.

The condition of the two surviving workers taken to a hospital wasn't known. A second firefighter was treated for injuries and released.

"It is with great sadness that the Nutter Fort Fire Department is confirming the line of duty death of one of our members," Nutter Fort Fire Chief Jeremy Haddix said in a statement. "The firefighter was injured on scene in Summit Park during a secondary collapse at the cell tower, and transported to United Hospital Center.

"While being treated the firefighter succumbed to his injuries.

"We ask that you keep his family and all members of the Nutter Fort Fire Department in your prayers."

The Summit Park Volunteer Fire Department's fire chief said the four workers, who officials said were subcontracted by a company called SNS, were harnessed to the tower, the TV station said.

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